Hard Rock Live
Hard Rock Live
4.5
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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Neighborhood: Florida Center
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
562 reviews
Excellent
308
Very good
178
Average
48
Poor
18
Terrible
10
Jerry C
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Terrible venue for concert.
The wife and I were looking forward to three great bands… Mammoth, Red and Alter Bridge. We’ve been to dozens of shows, this was the worse. Sound mix was horrendous, just a jumble of noise and way too loud. Strobe lights in your face to the point of not being able to keep your eyes open 1/3 of the time. We will travel to another venue when our favorite bands tour from now on.
The wife and I were looking forward to three great bands… Mammoth, Red and Alter Bridge. We’ve been to dozens of shows, this was the worse. Sound mix was horrendous, just a jumble of noise and way too loud. Strobe lights in your face to the point of not being able to keep your eyes open 1/3 of the time. We will travel to another venue when our favorite bands tour from now on.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gregory L
Orlando, FL311 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
What a disappointing experience this venue was to everyone in our party. A number of us went to see the "Nashville in Concert" series and the cost was $125 per seat to sit in the upper balcony eight rows from the back!! Although I love the television show "Nashville" none of the performers are bona fide concert draws requiring this price. In addition, the Hard Rock Live website charged us EACH another $40 for taxes and FEES! What a ripoff. At the concert, I found out some people sitting in our section got tickets for $65 from Groupon so I'm passing this info along to tourists coming to this venue or local residents. In addition, the venue had two large video boards on either side of the stage, but all they displayed the entire concert was the CMT logo and the Nashville concert series. For the price we paid to sit in the balcony, they couldn't even bother to put close-ups of the performers on the large screens for those of us in the "cheap" seats?!! DO NOT ORDER TICKETS DIRECTLY FROM HARD ROCK if you plan to go to this overpriced venue. Shame on Universal Studios, Hard Rock Live and CMT for gouging their customers and fans of "Nashville" and for providing a subpar event for such an outrageous price and fees.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The-Travel-eater
Aberdeen, UK195 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We went to see Ed Sheeran & Snow Patrol at the Hard Rock Live. Having been to many different concerts at many venues around the world, I would say this is one of the finest places to see a quality band. Seating is set up with 2 main seating sections. Balcony - split into center, left and right (both an upper and lower) and tables, which are down the side of the venue. On the lower floor is an extensive standing area that allow you to within a foot or so of the edge of the stage. Our tickets were Balcony right and nearly at the back. Despite that, the view was excellent. I believe this to be the case for just about every seat in the balcony area. The rows are sloped so much that despite the height of the person sitting in front, they will not impede your view. The table area is just bar tables with hard chairs but did seem to have an unbelievable view. So close you could have jumped onto the stage (if you were drunk enough and had a mattress to land on). Security was relaxed, access easy, toilets abundant and clean. There are also 2 bars on the balcony level as well as additional toilets, so no huge queues at either. A hint I maybe shouldn't mention... They state no cameras!!. I believe there are at least 500 I-phone videos of this concert. Just about every person filmed at least one song during the concert we saw. (Not us, of course. It's illegal and we would never, ever consider doing that.... honest!!!!!). All in all this is a world class venue for viewing your favorite band, or any other band. The view and distance from the stage gives and un paralleled experience and I would recommend a visit to anyone.
Written March 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dinksinct
Camillus, NY45 contributions
Nov 2019
Went to see So you Think You Can Dance Live 11/2/19. I sprung on got front row tickets. All you see is a 4 foot black wall and the dancers from the waste up.
The venue is nice, clean, people were nice. If it was a music show it wouldn't matter, but a dancing show where so much is done on the floor and with their lower bodies it was a waste of a LOT of cash.
It was my 1st time there. Given this knowledge the best seat in the house for a similar event is the 1st row on the sides in the balcony.
The venue is nice, clean, people were nice. If it was a music show it wouldn't matter, but a dancing show where so much is done on the floor and with their lower bodies it was a waste of a LOT of cash.
It was my 1st time there. Given this knowledge the best seat in the house for a similar event is the 1st row on the sides in the balcony.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agness!
someplace special20 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We were lucky enough to snag a table in the balcony, the sightlines were awesome - it was wonderful not to have people walking in front of me all the time plus TABLE SERVICE! (NO standing in line at the bar babeee!) And "Mo" our server was great - cheerful, honest when food might take a while, but really did bring everything quickly.
I had never been to a concert at Hard Rock Live and liked the interiors very much - I was also impressed that they didn't oversell the standing room area in front of the stage. I do think they need more ladies-rooms...there might have been some liberations of the men's rooms because those bathrooms had no line...just sayin'.
As to the concert - Blondie & Garbage were both great and the opening band "Neap Valley" (a 2-woman band with a guitarist who can really shred a guitar) was good too. I think this concert might have spoiled me for other venues. Yeah, the drinks are slightly expensive - but no more that Margaritaville or any of the other CityWalk bar-restaurants and yeah Hard Rock Live could do with some more women's bathrooms but those are quibbles. I'd go back again in a heartbeat...especially if I could sit at one of the tables or the bar-seats in the balcony.
I had never been to a concert at Hard Rock Live and liked the interiors very much - I was also impressed that they didn't oversell the standing room area in front of the stage. I do think they need more ladies-rooms...there might have been some liberations of the men's rooms because those bathrooms had no line...just sayin'.
As to the concert - Blondie & Garbage were both great and the opening band "Neap Valley" (a 2-woman band with a guitarist who can really shred a guitar) was good too. I think this concert might have spoiled me for other venues. Yeah, the drinks are slightly expensive - but no more that Margaritaville or any of the other CityWalk bar-restaurants and yeah Hard Rock Live could do with some more women's bathrooms but those are quibbles. I'd go back again in a heartbeat...especially if I could sit at one of the tables or the bar-seats in the balcony.
Written August 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
burghgirl2017
Portland Maine19 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
First time at Hard Rock. Great venue and acoustics. Will see another concert there.
Things I learned:
Buying tickets:
Advance purchase recommended; risky to buy them at box office before show.
Phone or online: Extra per ticket fee.
Buying in person in advance: Be aware Universal has a daytime $20 parking fee. If you get lucky, you can ask one of the toll attendants for a free 30 min pass to park with buses. This allows you just enough time to run in the park and buy the tickets.
Floor vs Balcony seating
Intimate venue. We attended a country show and being on the floor was civil and great fun. Depending on the music genre, the floor crowd could be rowdier. Balcony offered regular seating and some with tables. I understand there is bar service on the balcony. However, the tables and set up seemed to get in the way of people doing any dancing up there, so keep this mind if you like to move!
Bags
I goofed and brought my LL Bean back pack which was too big for admittance. Smaller bags and backpacks allowed. Staff was great about checking it. I found a security person afterwards who quickly retrieved it for me.
Exiting
My strategy has always been to leave when the encore starts and beat the mass exodus. In the case of this Hard Rock,it was a wise decision. When we left around 10:30 a lot of the other venues were ending their entertainment and people were starting to file out. We booked it to our vehicle. Keep in mind parking is free after 6 to encourage the night time crowd. However, this means you'll be parking in the leftover roof spots. We happily zipped out without traffic and were back to our hotel in minutes. My guess is this has the potential to be a huge cluster with all of the garage floors leaving at the same time.
Hope you enjoy a show there and my tips!
Things I learned:
Buying tickets:
Advance purchase recommended; risky to buy them at box office before show.
Phone or online: Extra per ticket fee.
Buying in person in advance: Be aware Universal has a daytime $20 parking fee. If you get lucky, you can ask one of the toll attendants for a free 30 min pass to park with buses. This allows you just enough time to run in the park and buy the tickets.
Floor vs Balcony seating
Intimate venue. We attended a country show and being on the floor was civil and great fun. Depending on the music genre, the floor crowd could be rowdier. Balcony offered regular seating and some with tables. I understand there is bar service on the balcony. However, the tables and set up seemed to get in the way of people doing any dancing up there, so keep this mind if you like to move!
Bags
I goofed and brought my LL Bean back pack which was too big for admittance. Smaller bags and backpacks allowed. Staff was great about checking it. I found a security person afterwards who quickly retrieved it for me.
Exiting
My strategy has always been to leave when the encore starts and beat the mass exodus. In the case of this Hard Rock,it was a wise decision. When we left around 10:30 a lot of the other venues were ending their entertainment and people were starting to file out. We booked it to our vehicle. Keep in mind parking is free after 6 to encourage the night time crowd. However, this means you'll be parking in the leftover roof spots. We happily zipped out without traffic and were back to our hotel in minutes. My guess is this has the potential to be a huge cluster with all of the garage floors leaving at the same time.
Hope you enjoy a show there and my tips!
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal W
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
We were here for a 4-day conference. This was by far the most unique, high energy, well executed venue I have had the honor to experience.
Location was perfect, we also stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. Passing the gates/music of Universal every morning was a great energy boost. The scenery of and accessibility to Universal/CityWalk was a great perk.
The food was spectacular, easy quick breakout rooms nearby, a couple outdoor/patio options for breaks, staff were all high energy, happy, professional and accommodating. Mike the manager made a point of introducing himself and always being around (with a smile), which certainly added to the experience. Mike Iovino at the bar was unreal - always a smile, always ready to accommodate any request, amazing energy.
Hope to be back again <3
Location was perfect, we also stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. Passing the gates/music of Universal every morning was a great energy boost. The scenery of and accessibility to Universal/CityWalk was a great perk.
The food was spectacular, easy quick breakout rooms nearby, a couple outdoor/patio options for breaks, staff were all high energy, happy, professional and accommodating. Mike the manager made a point of introducing himself and always being around (with a smile), which certainly added to the experience. Mike Iovino at the bar was unreal - always a smile, always ready to accommodate any request, amazing energy.
Hope to be back again <3
Written September 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don G
Spartanburg, SC28 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
I took my 11 year old daughter here between a great day at Universal and Blue man group, we were greeted with smiles and glad your here, then we went to the station to be designated a server, the young man took us to our table (right next to the bathrooms) I asked if we could get another table he said "were busy and they don't allow that" before we could sit I was asked what we would like to drink, we ordered... and still sitting and pulling up my chair I was asked "would you like and appetizer?) I replied "I would like to look at the menu first". Then our beverages arrived, I ordered an appetizer and was asked " are you ready to order your entrees?" No, I need more time. I was about half way thru my Salmon Cesar salad and was asked if I would like desert. I told him No I'm still eating dinner, he then in a rude tone said "I guess your ready for the check then".
This was the type of experience that will cause me to never step foot in a Hard Rock anything ever again.
This was the type of experience that will cause me to never step foot in a Hard Rock anything ever again.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter M
Dundee, UK4 contributions
Nov 2019
Both the service and food was great. Went twice and both times I sat at the bar. The bar staff were polite and friendly. As you would expect the cafe has a lot of memorabilia around the cafe so plenty to look at.
Written November 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheAdventures
Pennsylvania92 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
My family and I visited this location for lunch while visiting Universal Studios. I was told that this is the largest Hard Rock location and by the size, I believe that.
Our waitress was very friendly. We ordered two of the CLASSIC CLUB SANDWICHES, the BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH and the GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH. The first 3 were filled pretty quickly and the grilled chicken about 5-7 minutes after. I was very hungry and prepared to jump right into my coleslaw, BUT it came with one strand long hair...UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHH.
I immediately asked for a manager and he was very apologetic. A new order was fulfilled and everything was really good.
Would I eat here again? Yup. I understand that sometimes mishaps occur and it could have been something that occurred enroute from kitchen to table. Who knows? But they made it right which is what counts and the customer service was really great!!! And this is definitely not the norm at this restaurant.
Be sure to stop in the store after your meal. I got an awesome deal on a long sleeved Hard Rock sweatshirt.
Our waitress was very friendly. We ordered two of the CLASSIC CLUB SANDWICHES, the BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH and the GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH. The first 3 were filled pretty quickly and the grilled chicken about 5-7 minutes after. I was very hungry and prepared to jump right into my coleslaw, BUT it came with one strand long hair...UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHH.
I immediately asked for a manager and he was very apologetic. A new order was fulfilled and everything was really good.
Would I eat here again? Yup. I understand that sometimes mishaps occur and it could have been something that occurred enroute from kitchen to table. Who knows? But they made it right which is what counts and the customer service was really great!!! And this is definitely not the norm at this restaurant.
Be sure to stop in the store after your meal. I got an awesome deal on a long sleeved Hard Rock sweatshirt.
Written August 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane C
4 contributions
We have tickets for a 7pm show. Is it enough time to walk from the parking garage if we wait until 6pm to park (for free). Someone mentioned it’s a far walk. Will we make it for the start of the show?
Kathleen S
10 contributions
Would you recommend buying a seat in the balcony or general admission on the floor?
David C
Orlando, FL53 contributions
balcony
BondMcD007
Winnipeg, Canada15 contributions
Is it separate from Universal Studios? Do we have to buy a ticket to Universal?
0ur_0pini0n
Winter Garden, FL1,191 contributions
To go to the Hard Rock or a show at the Hard Rock you do not need a ticket to the park. You may or may not have to pay for parking and you will have to go through security in the parking garage. If you are going to a show, you will also have to go though the security at the Hard Rock also.
Where do you park
0ur_0pini0n
Winter Garden, FL1,191 contributions
Park at the Universal Parking garage, after 6 it is free for Florida residents.
Is there a coat check?
Charlie W
Orlando, FL37 contributions
Not that I'm aware of
What is that unique thing you would do for concert passes?
0ur_0pini0n
Winter Garden, FL1,191 contributions
Hit the restaurants around city walk, or the HR itself, great venue with bars. Concerts are loud though, if that is a concern.
Ashramos5
Kapolei, HI5 contributions
At what time can you arrive for the closest to stage possible? I bought GA tickets for the 1975.
Marianne K
3 contributions
It usually opens an Hour before actual show time. I always call Hard Rock Live before I go and make sure because depending on circumstances it may vary.
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Claim your listingHard Rock Live - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hard Rock Live
- Hard Rock Live is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Hotels near Hard Rock Live:
- (0.13 mi) 2 BR RESORT IN PERFECT LOCATION NEAR UNIVERSAL
- (0.28 mi) Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
- (0.36 mi) Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- (0.23 mi) (2505) Lakefront Condo
- (0.61 mi) Hyatt House Across from Universal Orlando Resort
- Restaurants near Hard Rock Live:
- (0.01 mi) Hard Rock Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Voodoo Doughnut
- (0.05 mi) Vivo Italian Kitchen
- (0.12 mi) Cinnabon
- (0.13 mi) Cold Stone Creamery
Hard Rock Live Information
Excellent Reviews | 308 |
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Very Good Reviews | 178 |
Hard Rock Live Photos | 161 |